Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Carl Zeiss has announced a new cine zoom lens, the CZ.2 28-80mm T2.9, which will be available in 5 different mounts (PL, EF, F, MFT and E). It features a full frame 36 x 24mm image circle for compatibility with HDSLRs like the 5D Mark III and cine cameras like the Canon C300 and Sony NEX-FS700. This new lens will mate nicely with the Zeiss 70-200mm T2.9 that was announced earlier this year.

The Zeiss CZ.2 28-80mm T2.9 will be available in the second quarter of 2013 at a retail price of $19,900.

The Canon EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 II lens is standard zoom lens with the same optical system, construction, and exterior as the EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 V USM. The difference is that it uses a DC motor instead of a USM to drive the AF. It was included as a kit lens with older entry level Canon SLRs back in their heyday and is generally regarded as having rather poor optical quality.

The Canon 28-80 may be a kit lens but it comfortably outperformed the Sigma zoom in my tripod-mounted test shots at all apertures within its limits at 28mm, 50mm and 70mm.

Where to Buy

First off, consider going to your local camera store (and I don’t necessarily mean Wolf Camera at the mall). By going to your local camera store, you’re supporting your community and you just might build a lasting relationship with people you can rely on when you need some help or answers. If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices.